Legal Definitions - Patent and Trademark Office

The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is a government agency under the Department of Commerce that examines patent and trademark applications, issues patents, registers trademarks, and provides information and services related to patents and trademarks to the public.

For example, if a company invents a new product, they can apply for a patent with the PTO to protect their invention from being copied by others. Similarly, if a business creates a unique logo or slogan, they can register it as a trademark with the PTO to prevent others from using it without permission.

The PTO plays an important role in promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property rights in the United States.